Abstract
The Upper Ordovician (Ashgill) Soom Shale lagerstätte preserves chitinozoans on the bedding planes as scattered individuals and, more significantly, in linked chains, in aggregated masses and associated with organic envelopes. Chitinozoan affinites are problematical, but the Soom Shale has a restricted biota, providing constraints on hypotheses of relationship. No graptolites or gastropods, which are possible contenders for chitinozoan production, occur. The chitinozoans are, however, associated with conodonts and orthocone cephalopods and, of all the known Soom Shale biota, these organisms present the most likely candidates for chitinozoan origination.
- © Geological Society of London 1998
Please note that if you are logged into the Lyell Collection and attempt to access content that is outside of your subscription entitlement you will be presented with a new login screen. You have the option to pay to view this content if you choose. Please see the relevant links below for further assistance.